This course is organised in two modules. The first one (corresponding to a 5 credit course) aims at providing the basic tools and concepts for the analysis of innovation as an economic problem. The second module will contrast the Schumpeterian model of innovation in large firms and the emerging innovation model through ICT networks.

First module

- Theories and models of technological change
- Innovation and ICTs
- Innovation in firms, industries and national economies
- Innovation, growth and employment
- National innovation systems and national policies

Second module

- The Schumpeterian analysis of innovation in large industrial firms
- The case of Olivetti: business culture, strategies and organisation
- Innovation in ICTs and the role of networks
- The case of cooperative innovation through ICT networks

knowledge and understanding: the acquisition of a general knowledge on the theory and practice of technological change is required

applying knowledge and understanding: the ability to apply the general knowledge to the practice of innovative activities is required

making judgements: the ability to carry out a critical analysis of the problems associated to technological change is required

communication skills: a good ability to communicate the knowledge acquired in the course is required

learning skills: a development of learning skills, linking theory and practice of technological change, is required

Modalità didattiche

Lectures are in Italian. If foreign students attend the course, arrangements can be made with the course instructor for meetings to assist English speaking students in the preparation of the exam.

Testi di studio

Module 1:
Jan Fagerberg, David Mowery e Richard Nelson (eds) The Oxford Handbook of Innovation, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2005 (except ch. 3 e 4)

Module 2:
- Yochai Benkler, The wealth of networks, Yale University Press, New Haven, 2006, ch.1-4.
Additional readings in English may be agreed upon with the course instructor

Modalità di
accertamento

Exams can be given, and credits can be obtained, separately for module 1 and module 2. Oral examination either in Italian or in English.

Disabilità e DSA

Le studentesse e gli studenti che hanno registrato la certificazione di disabilità o la certificazione di DSA presso l'Ufficio Inclusione e diritto allo studio, possono chiedere di utilizzare le mappe concettuali (per parole chiave) durante la prova di esame.

A tal fine, è necessario inviare le mappe, due settimane prima dell’appello di esame, alla o al docente del corso, che ne verificherà la coerenza con le indicazioni delle linee guida di ateneo e potrà chiederne la modifica.